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Turkmen Grandmaster Saparmyrat Atabayev captured third place at the Karshi Open 2026 international chess tournament, which recently concluded in Uzbekistan.
The high-level competition, dedicated to the memory of the prominent educator Ismat Shukurov, brought together 56 elite players from 10 different countries. The tournament followed the classic Swiss system across 9 intensive rounds. The final standings were incredibly tight, as the top three players all finished with an equal score of 7 out of a possible 9 points, leaving the podium positions to be decided by tie-break evaluation.
The ninth and final round proved to be the decisive turning point for the Turkmen grandmaster. Playing with the black pieces, Atabayev faced the tournament leader, Israeli Grandmaster Evgeny Alekseev. Securing a crucial victory under pressure, Atabayev propelled himself directly into the top three, earning a well-deserved cash prize of 30 million Uzbek soums (approximately $2,500 USD).
Turkmenistan's second representative at the event, Grandmaster Yusup Atabayev, delivered a strong performance as well, accumulating 6 points to secure 8th place in the final standings.
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To mark the National Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Industry Workers' Day, Health Center No. 1 in Mary, located along Oguzkhan Street, was officially reopened following a comprehensive structural renovation. The inauguration ceremony brought together regional administration officials, members of parliament and the Halk Maslahaty, healthcare specialists, community elders, and local students. Festive musical and theatrical performances by cultural groups and young talents added to the celebratory atmosphere.
The newly reconstructed two-story medical complex is outfitted with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment rooms, family medicine suites, bacteriological and physiotherapy departments, as well as specialized laboratories. Equipped with advanced European medical technology, the center offers a full suite of services including ultrasound, echocardiography, electrocardiography, and endoscopy.
The renovation project was successfully carried out by the local private construction enterprise "Yhlasa Ynam." During the official ceremony, outstanding construction workers were awarded valuable commemorative gifts presented on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan.
Additionally, to boost mobile diagnostic capabilities in the region, a fully equipped "Mercedes-Benz" mobile medical unit featuring digital X-ray and fluorography technology was officially presented to the health center on behalf of the Head of State.
Blitz